Mobile Washer Unit

ABSTRACT

A mobile pressure washing system is provided. The system comprises a frame with hinged elements for transitioning the frame between an upright position of use and a compact position for secure transport and storage of the system. System features further include a removable and replaceable tank adapted to fit on a portion of the frame, storage features, and pressure washing features such as a motor and pump.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mobile cleaning and washerunits. More specifically, the present invention relates to high pressurewashing systems generally contained on or within a frame structure,wherein elements or features for cleaning or working operations as wellas features for mobility are connected on or to the frame.

BACKGROUND

High pressure washers are useful for cleaning a wide variety of objectssuch as patios, decks, deck hulls, aluminum and vinyl siding, tenniscourts, and gutters. There are many known types high pressure washingsystems which generally comprise one or more engines that power a highpressure pump. The pump is normally connected to a water source at a lowpressure, such as to a municipal water source via a hose. The lowpressure water is generally passed through the pump and converted tohigh pressure outlet fluid. A high pressure line may be attached to awand for directing high pressure flow.

Particularly with heavier high pressure cleaning units, a pump andengine are oftentimes mounted on a frame having wheels and pushed and/orpulled by the operator manually from location to location. Placing suchdevices on a frame, however, significantly increased the overall size ofthe device and in certain instances acts to impede the mobility that wasintended to be enhanced.

The cumbersome nature of known high pressure washing units furthercomplicates and impedes a user's ability to carry or transportadditional devices, products and items which may be useful or requiredin cleaning operations. For example, known units require sufficient userattention, energy and effort that transporting additional items such astools, cleaning products and solutions, and other related goods isrendered impracticable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system, device,and methods of use for mobile pressure washing apparatus comprising afoldable frame with additional features adapted for housing and/ortransporting various additional products and tools.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it beconstrued as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in variouslevels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in theattached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and nolimitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended byeither the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. inthis Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the presentdisclosure will become more readily apparent from the DetailedDescription, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

The following references related to pressure washing systems are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,204to Bennett et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,957 to Bennett et al., U.S. Pat.No. 4,865,255 to Luvisotto, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,120 to Gilpatrick etal., U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,235 to Faller et al., U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 20100108781 to Terrizzi et al., and 20050217708 toOtterson.

In various embodiments, a mobile pressure washing system is providedhaving a frame to carry components of the system and to create a handleor user interface portion for mobility of the system. In one embodiment,the handle is selectively positionable by a user between at least afirst and second position, the first position being a generally uprightposition for user manipulation and/or rolling of the device and thesecond position being a generally compact position of non-use. Thegenerally compact position of non-use may be utilized, for example, whenthe device is to be stored or transported in a position of non-use.

In one embodiment, selectively locating the frame in the second positionadditionally provides for protection of various elements of the deviceincluding, but not limited to, motors, pumps, tanks, valves, and similarfeatures. Thus, in various embodiments, a mobile pressure washing deviceis provided comprising a first position of use and a second position ofnon-use wherein the second position of non-use is adapted for minimizingthe overall height of the device, as well as, protecting variouselements of the device.

In yet another embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device is providedwith a tank adapted to hold various fluids (e.g. cleaning fluids) whichmay be selectively secured to a frame of the device by a user. The tankmay be of the molded or rotomolded plastic variety and serve to housevarious fluids, as well as, provide a buffer between device componentsand various external objects or structures.

In another embodiment, the mobile pressure washing device is providedwith one or more plastic storage devices attached to a handle portion ofthe frame. The one or more plastic storage devices are adapted to houseor transport various tools and cleaning supplies and further provideadditional protection for device components when the handle portion ofthe frame is disposed in a second position of non-use. Plastic storagedevices for use in the present invention may comprise, for example,recesses of predetermined size for accommodating known containers, mesh,netted and/or elastic features for accommodating of wide variety ofobjects or containers, covers or lids for selectively securing contents,and/or various control features for user-operation of various devicefunctions.

In a particular embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device is providedwith a storage area in an upper portion of the device where the storagearea is adapted to house various user-selected containers. Thus, in atleast one embodiment, a user may optionally place one or more containers(e.g. a one-gallon container of cleaning solution) securely in an upperportion of the device. It is further contemplated that a tube isprovided, the tube being operatively connected to pump and washingelements at one end and free at an opposing end such that it may beinserted into previously described user-selected containers. Thus,user-selected containers and the contents thereof may be optionallyintegrated into water streams and/or washing operations.

In yet another embodiment, a mobile pressure washing device is providedwith features for accommodating a wand. For example, in a particularembodiment, a removable rubber cone is provided on the aforementionedtank portion of the device, the rubber cone adapted to receive a portionof an elongate wand for use in spraying and/or cleaning operations. Anadditional feature is provided on a handle portion of the frame toreceive another portion of the wand and further support such a device.In an alternative embodiment, a mobile washing device comprises suchfeatures for supporting a wand when the device is in a first positionand additional features or recesses to receive and support a wand whenthe device is in a second position. One of skill in the art willrecognize the utility provided by such a feature where, even when theunit is not positioned for use, it may still be desirable to securelystore a wand and minimize the risk of damage or wear which may be placedon the wand.

In yet another embodiment, a mobile high pressure cleaning unit of thepresent invention comprises illumination features, such as one or morelights for assisting operations in night-time or low-light conditions.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinvention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments,objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. Aswill be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possibleusing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forthabove or described in detail below. Further, the summary of theinvention is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in thesummary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and thedetailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scopeof the present invention is intended to either the inclusion ornon-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of theinvention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become morereadily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when takentogether with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following descriptionis merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may beapplied in various ways to provide many different alternativeembodiments. This description is made for illustrating the generalprinciples of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is notmeant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the general description of the disclosure given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of the disclosures.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing various features of a mobile highpressure washing device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure washing deviceaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice according to one embodiment and comprising a wand;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure washing deviceaccording to one embodiment and comprising a wand;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a mobile high pressure washing deviceaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a tank portion according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a tank portion according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 12 a-d provide various views of a wand receiving feature accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing various features of a mobile highpressure washing device according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what mightappear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referringto the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in thepertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, apreferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode nowcontemplated for putting the invention into practice is described hereinby, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of thespecification. The exemplary method is described in detail withoutattempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications inwhich the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to thoseskilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scopeand spirit of the invention, the invention being measured by theappended claims and not by the details of the specification.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forthat the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to beconstrued as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment since describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments couldbe implemented, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ ishereby defined to mean . . .” or a similar sentence, there is no intentto limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication,beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not beinterpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in anysection of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To theextent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent isreferred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning,that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader,and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implicationor otherwise, to that single meaning Finally, unless a claim element isdefined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recitalof any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim elementbe interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixthparagraph.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, a mobile high-pressure washing deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. Itshould be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Incertain instances, details that are not necessary for an understandingof the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive mayhave been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, ofcourse, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile high pressure washingdevice 2 according to one embodiment. As shown, the device 2 comprises aframe having an upper or user-proximal portion 10 and a lower portion12. The frame 4 is provided in part to support various device elements24 and facilitate the transportation or movement of those elementsbefore, during, or after use. The frame is further equipped with wheels6 and, in at least one embodiment, tires 8 to further assist in movementor transport of the device. Although not shown in FIG. 1, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more additionalwheels may be provided on the device 2 in order to further assistrolling movement.

Device elements 24 may comprise, but are not limited to various knowndevices for use in high pressure washing units. In a particularembodiment, the mobile washing unit 2 comprises a commercially availableHonda GX200 engine as a primary power source and one or more pumps forcompressing or moving fluid(s). However, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the present invention is not limited to anyparticular engine or, for that matter, gas powered engines generally. Itwill be expressly understood that any known motor or engine suitable forpressurizing fluids may be incorporated within the present invention.Furthermore, while preferred embodiments contemplate the use of gaspowered engines and the related mobility that is often associatedtherewith, alternative embodiments contemplate a wide array of powersources being included with high pressure washing units of the presentinvention.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame 4 is provided with hingedelements 14 for selective positioning and/or repositioning of an upperportion 10 of the frame with respect to a lower portion 12 of the frame4. According to various embodiments, hinged elements 14 compriselockable features such that the hinged elements 14 may be selectivelyloosened, upper 10 and lower 12 portions of the frame adjusted withrespect to one another and the hinged portions selectively resecured soas to limit undesired movements. In various embodiments, hinged elements14 allow for a user to adjust the angle of an upper portion of the frame10, thereby adjusting the overall height of the device 2 and the abilityto conform the device 2 to a user's height and/or preference.

In a preferred embodiment, a mobile washer 2 is provided with a supportmember 25 for maintaining the device 2 in a generally horizontalposition with respect to a surface upon which the device rests. In oneembodiment, the support member 25 is mounted to a sheet metal base plateand generally disposed in a center potion of the device. Accordingly, auser may easily tilt the device 2 in order to eliminate or reducecontact between the support 25 and the ground/surface and roll thedevice. In an alternative embodiment, the support 25 comprises one ormore wheels such that a tilting operation is not needed to move thedevice 2.

In one embodiment, one or more portions of the frame 4 comprisetelescoping features such that portions of the frame may be extendedand/or contracted to further conform to user desired height or position.

In various embodiments, a user proximal portion 16 of the device 2 isprovided with a user-interface portion, such as a handle, and arecession or storage area 18. Storage area 18 may further comprisesecuring means or netting for selectively storing various items (e.g.tools, cleaning products, etc.). User proximal portion 16 may furtherprovide protection for additional device elements in various embodimentsor positions as described herein. For example, in a particularembodiment, when the device 2 is placed in a folded or collapsed state,various elements including user-proximal portion 16, storage area 18,tank 20, and frame elements act to isolate and/or protect systemcomponents 24. In various embodiments, wheels 6 and/or tires 8 of thedevice may be sized so as to provide further protection (e.g. fromimpact, etc.) of device elements 24.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present inventionwherein an upper portion 16 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 19and/or attachments for a hose and wand combination. In one embodiment, aplurality of nozzles 19 is provided to enable a user to select from anumber of different impact strengths or spray patterns. Generally, onlya single nozzle will be needed for use at a particular time. The presentinvention provides for an array of nozzles from which to select the mostdesired nozzle for a specific application and allow non-used nozzles toremain in a secure location on the device where they remain in a safeand convenient location. Indicia are further provided to provideinformation to a user on nozzle details and, in the case of high impactsettings, alert a user to the dangers of the same. In one embodiment, ahose cradle 23 and an elastic material 21 are provided for selectivelysecuring/storing a length of hose when not in use.

In various embodiments, an additional support or grip member 55 isprovided. This member 55 provides an additional contact point for a userto assist in various operations and further acts to cover and protectvarious components 24 when the device 2 is in a folded state.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, hinged elements 14 further allow for the foldingor collapsing of an upper portion 10 of the frame 4. Accordingly, in atleast one embodiment, an upper portion 10 of the frame and associatedstructure 16 may be folded over additional elements 24 of the device 2,thereby substantially reducing the overall height of the device,increasing storage ability of the device, and further protecting variousinternal elements. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the device 2 mayadditionally be provided with a latching or locking mechanism at thepoint where an upper portion of the handle 10 meets a lower portion ofthe frame 12 when in a folded position. For example, various known clipsor clamps may be provided to selectively secure the upper portion 10with the lower portion 12 when the device 2 is in a folded state. Thedevice 2 in a folded state is particularly well suited for temporary orlong term storage and/or transport in a state of non-use. For example,when in a folded state, the device 2 will have a relatively compactstructure and generally be more convenient for lifting and carrying,such as when necessary for placing the device 2 in a truck or storagefacility.

When the device 2 is in a folded position about hinged elements 14, anupper portion 10 of the frame and lower portion 12 of the frame willmeet or be disposed proximal to one another at or near one or morecontact points 28. In one embodiment, a portion of the upper section 10and lower section may generally be parallel with one another when thedevice 2 is in a folded state. Such an arrangement, however, is notnecessary or required to achieve the benefits of the present invention.Thus, in one embodiment, various latches and/or clasps are provided tofurther secure the device in a closed state. Additionally, hingedelements 14 comprise various locking features to secure the relativeposition of the upper 10 and lower 12 frame members.

In various embodiments, the frame 4 of the device comprises one or morematerials known to provide desirable structural properties withoutrendering the device unduly heavy or cumbersome. Additionally, mildsteel rod, cold rolled flat bar steel and cold rolled steel in sheetform may be provided to construct the frame 4. In an alternativeembodiment, the frame 4 comprises lightweight plastic materials, such ashigh density polyethylene or structurally similar materials. Wheels 6 ofthe device may be optionally provided with various known tires,including but not limited to 10 inch pneumatic or no-flat tires. Wheels6 and/or tires 8 of the present invention may be interchangeable withany number of similar wheel and/or tire arrangements to suit theintended application of the device 2 or accommodate user preference.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, elevation views of the device 2 according toone embodiment are provided wherein the device additionally comprises awashing wand 30. Washing wand 30 may be provided and connected toadditional device elements such as a 25 foot high pressure hose. Thewand 30 may be connected to the device through high pressure, quickconnect spray nozzles, and may comprise a high pressure lance and highpressure trigger gun for dispensing fluids. The wand 30 may be supportedby a cradle portion 31 disposed on or near an upper portion of the frame10 and/or a lower cone portion 32 or receiving element for accommodatinga nose or distal tip end of the wand 30. Accordingly, in variousembodiments, a wand 30 may be supported on the device 2 when the deviceis in an upright or extended position yet the wand is not in a state ofuse.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a side elevation view of one embodiment of thedevice 2 is shown wherein the wand 30 has been removed. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that a wand 30 may be connected anddisconnected with relative ease by, for example, the provision of highpressure quick connect valves and connection members. Accordingly, whenone desires to remove the wand 30, this may be readily accomplished byloosening or removing various quick connect couplings and the wand 30and or hosing removed or attached to the device 2.

As further shown in FIG. 9, an angle 50 is established between portionsof the frame 4 divided by a hinged element 14. Angle 50 may beselectively altered or adjusted based on operation of one or more hingedelements 14. In one embodiment, hinged elements 14 may be selectivelyloosened, the angle 50 between frame elements adjusted by a user oneither a discrete or incremental basis, or alternatively through ananalog manner such that the angle is not limited to any discreet numberor set of positions. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overallheight and orientation of the frame 4 may be selectively adjusted basedon user preference. Additionally, hinged elements 14 also provide thefunctionality of the aforementioned folding of the frame 4 such thatupper portion 10 is disposed over device elements 24 and generallyproximal (i.e., with respect to an upright position) to a lower frameportion 12 for transport and/or storage of the device 2.

A molded tank feature 20 may additionally be provided on variousportions of the device 2. In one embodiment, the tank portion 20 isadapted to be disposed on a lower portion 12 of the frame and providefor storage and/or dispensing of various liquids in addition toprotective features for device elements 24. As shown, the tank 20comprises integrally formed or molded recesses 36 such that device fitssecurely onto aforementioned frame portion 12. In at least oneembodiment, the tank 20 is readily removable and detachable from a frameportion 12 such that any number of tanks 20 may be associated with thedevice 2. Accordingly, where numerous different liquids are desired foruse with device operations, and cross contamination of the these liquidsis of concern, a plurality of tanks may be provided with respect to anyone device 2 and the tanks and associated liquids easily interchanged.

In a preferred embodiment, a tank 20 comprises a tank for storing anddispensing a chemical or cleaning solution into a flow of water fordispensing from the device 2. The tank 20 houses a solution or chemicalbased on a user's preference which may be dispensed into a flow of watervia a fluid pressure differential provided by a venturi tube. Forexample, in one embodiment, water from a pump is translated through aventuri and chemical(s) from the tank 20 are drawn into the stream ofwater at an area of reduced pressure, and the combined water/chemicalproduct dispensed through downstream components of the device.

One of skill in the art will recognize various additional and/oralternative means by which chemicals disposed in a tank 20 may bedispensed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,435 to Pedlar et al., whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses variousfluid dispensation features which may be incorporated into embodimentsof the present invention.

Tank 20, in one embodiment, comprises an optional name plate element 38wherein a product, company, or manufacturer's name(s) may be displayedeither in the form of molding the same to or within the tank and/or avoid space for applying preexisting decals.

The tank 20 further comprises an aperture or port 22 for emptying and/orfilling operations of the tank. In one embodiment the tank furthercomprises an additional port or drain (not shown, but 26 in FIG. 6) in alower portion of the tank to quickly and easily drain undesiredcontents. Materials may be pressurized and/or conveyed from the tank tofeatures of the invention and for dispensing through various knownmethods and features.

As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a cone element 32 may be optionallyprovided within or connected to a tank 20, the cone 32 being secured byfasteners 34 and adapted to accommodate a distal tip or nose end of awand. In various embodiments, the cone 32 is provided for receiving adistal end of a washing wand in a secure and frictionally engagedmanner. Thus, in at least some embodiments, a cone 32 operates to storea wand 30 in a secure manner such that it will not vibrate or becomeeasily displaced, at least at its distal end, during various operations.In one embodiment, a portion of the cone 32 comprises drainage elements42 for allowing fluids associated with the wand to drain to variouslocations including, but not limited to, a portion of the tank 20 and/orthe external environment.

FIGS. 12A-12D provide additional views of the cone 32 adapted to receivea wand. As shown, the cone may be provided with fins 44 stabilizing theorientation of the cone 32 within a portion of a tank 20 or similarfeature within which the cone may be disposed. Drain holes 42 areprovided in one or more regions of the cone 32 to allow for drainage ofvarious liquids and prevent undesired build up of such liquids withinthe cone.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing joints or locking elements ofhinged elements 14 according to one embodiment. As shown, a metal joint52 is provided with a plurality of increments or teeth for setting thehandle in a variety of user-selected positions. A set-screw 50 orsimilar device is additionally provided to loosen and secure the metaljoint 52 in a desired position. Thus, lockable or selectively securablehinges are provided. It will be expressly recognized that the presentinvention is not limited to such an arrangement of hinges 14. Indeed, awide a variety of features for adjusting the position of an upper 10and/or lower 12 portion of a frame are contemplated. In an alternativeembodiment, a releasable pin is provided to enable a user to repositionan upper portion 10 of the frame from a generally upright position toclosed position (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purposes of description andshould not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,”“comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as wellas, additional items.

1. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upperportion and a lower portion; a primary power source mounted on theframe; a pump; at least one wheel on the frame; and the upper portionand the lower portion of the frame being hingedly attached by one ormore elements and reconfigurable between a first position and a secondposition; wherein the first position comprises the upper portion at afirst angle with respect to the lower portion such that a user may graspthe handle and roll the power washer on the at least one wheel; andwherein the second position comprises the upper portion at a secondangle with respect to the lower portion such that the primary powersource is substantially surrounded by the frame.
 2. The pressure washerof claim 1, wherein the lower portion comprises a removable tank.
 3. Thepressure washer of claim 1, wherein the pressure washer comprises awashing wand connected to said pump.
 4. The pressure washer of claim 1,wherein the primary power source comprises a gas-powered engine.
 5. Thepressure washer of claim 1, wherein the primary power source comprisesan electric motor.
 6. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the firstupper portion and the second lower portion of the frame are hingedlyattached by a pair of lockable hinges.
 7. A portable pressure washercomprising: a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion; aprimary power source mounted on the frame; a pump; at least one wheel onthe frame; and the upper portion and the lower portion of the framebeing hingedly attached by one or more elements and reconfigurablebetween a first position and a second position; the first positiondefined by an position of use with the pressure washer having a firstcenter of gravity; and the second position defined by a position ofnon-use with the pressure washer having a second center of gravity. 8.The portable pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the second center ofgravity is closer to the primary power source than the first center ofgravity.
 9. The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the lower portioncomprises a removable tank.
 10. The pressure washer of claim 7, whereinthe pressure washer comprises a washing wand connected to said pump. 11.The pressure washer of claim 7, wherein the primary power sourcecomprises a gas-powered engine.
 12. The pressure washer of claim 7,wherein the primary power source comprises an electric motor.
 13. Thepressure washer of claim 7, wherein the first upper portion and thesecond lower portion of the frame are hingedly attached by a pair oflockable hinges.
 14. A portable pressure washer comprising: a framehaving an upper portion and a lower portion; a primary power source anda pump mounted on the frame; at least one wheel on the frame; the lowerportion of the frame comprising a tank, wherein said tank is operable toprotect the primary power source and contain a predetermined quantity offluid; and the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame beinghingedly attached by one or more elements and reconfigurable between afirst position and a second position; wherein the first positioncomprises the upper portion at a first angle with respect to the lowerportion such that a user may grasp the handle and roll the power washeron the at least one wheel; and wherein the second position comprises theupper portion at a second angle with respect to the lower portion suchthat the primary power source is substantially surrounded by the frame.15. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the tank isdetachable.
 16. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein thetank comprises one or more of nylon, polyethylene, and polystyrene. 17.The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein the pressure washerfurther comprises a washing wand and wherein the tank comprises areceiving element for accommodating a distal tip end of the wand. 18.The portable pressure washer of claim 17, wherein the receiving elementcomprises drainage features for conveying fluid to an externalenvironment.
 19. The portable pressure washer of claim 14, wherein thetank contains fluid in fluid communication with a primary water source.20. A portable pressure washer comprising: a frame having an upperportion and a lower portion; the upper portion of the frame comprising auser-interface portion and a compartment for storage; the lower portionof the frame comprising at least one of a primary power source, a pump,and a tank; the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame beinghingedly attached by one or more elements and reconfigurable between afirst position and a second position.
 21. The portable pressure washerof claim 20, wherein at least one wheel is provided on the frame, the atleast one wheel further adapted to protect the primary power source. 22.The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein the tank isdetachable.
 23. The portable pressure washer of claim 20, wherein thelower portion comprises a tank comprising one or more of nylon,polyethylene, and polystyrene.
 24. The portable pressure washer of claim20, wherein the pressure washer further comprises a washing wand andwherein the tank comprises a receiving element for accommodating adistal tip end of the wand.
 25. The portable pressure washer of claim24, wherein the receiving element comprises drainage features forconveying fluid to an external environment.